Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Marina Bay Sands is an iconic building with 3 towers supporting a huge infinity pool on the 57th floor. It is an integrated resort, comprising a substantial hotel, leisure facilities, shopping mall and casino. We decided to spend just one night at the hotel in order to swim in that amazing pool (you cannot arrange day access to the pool - only hotel guests are allowed access).

We arrived at the hotel (using their complimentary airport coach transfer) after an overnight flight from Male, thus arriving at the hotel just before 9 am. We had informed the hotel of our arrival time, and hoped that a room would be ready (after a 4 h night we needed sleep). We preceeded to the VIP check-in area, and were informed that a room wasn't ready, but they would try to get one ready soon and we were welcome to use the facilities on the Sky Park (including club lounge). After a quick breakfast, we enquired about the room and were told that staff would find us when it was ready. Luckily the Sky Park wasn't too busy, so we found a lounger to doze on and waited. After a further couple of requests at the club reception, we eventually got the key to our room shortly after noon. It then took a further 75 minutes for our luggage to be delivered (after multiple requests).

Club Lounge

We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the club lounge, situated on level 57 - the Sky Park. There was a good choice at breakfast with continental, hot and asian items available. Afternoon tea was extensive (as shown in the slideshow), with fresh fruit, 5 different cupcakes, multiple flavours of scones, sandwiches and hot savouries. In the evening, there was a variety of canapés (Western and Oriental) and sweet treats left over from afternoon tea. We were very impressed with the choice of drinks, which included 3 or 4 white and red wines plus both rose and brut champagne. The option to borrow a laptop was great as it enabled us to view our photos on a large screen, and there was no time pressure to return the computer.

The food and beverage offering in the club lounge here was superior to that offered in the Grand Hyatt Singapore. However, the club lounge at Marina Bay Sands was very busy during our stay and had an ambience similar to a motorway service station cafe.

City View Club Room

We had found a cheaper price online, so used the hotel's best rate guarantee to get a room upgrade. We were impressed with the size of the room - at 62 square metres, it is the size of many hotel suites and could easily be described as a junior suite.

Entering through the lobby area, a large bathroom was on the left with free-standing bath tub and a wet-room shower area. Then the bedroom with a good-sized living area, desk and stunning views of the Singapore skyline (we were on the 45th floor). Furnishings were comfortable but unspectacular - the highlight being the bathroom area. The room was clean, but the only wow factor was the view. For a full list of amenities see here.The reason we stayed at the hotel wasn't to see the rooms though. We were interested in the roof, in particular the infinity pool, but also the club lounge.

Leisure Facilities

The view from the both sides of the Sky Park is spectacular. There was plenty of room in the massive infinity pool looking out over the city. The view was only enhanced by the thunder and lightening rumbling around the mountains to the North. There were plenty of places to lounge both around the pool and in a small tranquility garden facing the port, although not many were shaded from the sun. The Sky Park also had an infinity jacuzzi, which was pretty hot but often empty. This was a nice place to spend a few minutes but too steamy to relax for long. The major disappointment with the Sky Park was the lack of changing facilities. When we asked, we were directed to the toilets on a lower floor, which were not particularly clean, and definitely not salubrious. According to information provided, the hotel has a dress code, thus we didn't feel comfortable getting changed in our room and going to the Sky Park in a bathrobe. If the hotel wants to maintain its dress code, it should provide appropriate changing and shower facilities in the Sky Park.

Overall Impression

All in all, we would recommend staying only one night at Marina Bay Sands, in order to experience the Sky Park. The hotel public areas have no ambience, and there are so many guest rooms that the service was well below what we expect for a 5* hotel in Singapore. At the price the hotel charges, service should be more personal. In a destination such as Singapore, hotels should be able to cope with guests arriving round the clock and this was not the case here. After you have tried Marina Bay Sands we strongly recommend staying in the Grand Hyatt Singapore. Although the food offering in the club lounge is more limited, you will find the service vastly superior and the rooms are furnished to a much higher level.